Although you probably don't remember teething as a baby, the arrival of your wisdom teeth can remind you of what toddlers suffer through: tender gums, aching teeth and pain. Beyond making you more sympathetic to a teething tot, wisdom teeth discomfort can also herald some potential problems in your dental health.
By understanding the cause of your sore gums and how wisdom teeth may play a part, you can find a method of wisdom teeth pain relief that reduces the aching sensation in the interim.
Wisdom Teeth 101
Wisdom teeth usually make their appearance between the ages of 17 and 21, though it's possible for them to push through earlier or later. Referred to as your "third molars," these four teeth begin to push through the skin like any other tooth, which can cause pain. However, wisdom teeth are much more likely to grow in at an incorrect angle – even sideways – causing impaction that can radiate this pain to the teeth in front of it. The American Dental Association (ADA) warns that wisdom teeth can also result in a host of following issues, such as infections and even cysts, so it's important to talk to your dentist when your wisdom teeth do come in.
For most, wisdom teeth removal is a good option. Until then, however, you'll need to confront the soreness naturally.